Copless shuttle loom



Dec. 23, 1958 E, G, M AscARENi-{As 2,865,404

` coPLEss SHUTTLE LOOM ATTORNEYS? 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 E. G. MASCARENHAS COPLESS SHUTTLE LOOM v llill:lnlnallllllivlarlllvll Dec. 23, 1958 Filed June 50, 1954 INVENTOR 1772925 G'Nasear en has mmmyQf/vw/ ATTORNEY-5 Dec 23, 1958 E. G. MAscARENHAs 2,865,404

COPLESS SHUTTLE LOOM 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 50. 1954 INVENTOR Eneas (l. Mscarenhas BY MQ; im

ATTORNEYS Dec 23, 1958 E. G. MAscARENHAs 2,8655404 COPLESS SHUTTLE LOOM Filed June 30, 1954 7 sheets-'sheet 4 M ATTORNEYS INVENTQR Eneczs @,Masearekas BY We@ DeC- 23, 1958 E. G. MAscARENHAs 2,865,404

COPLESS SHUTTLE LOOM '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 30, 1954 INVENTOR Erzeczg Gczccwenhas /s//mmw ATTORNEYS De- 23 1958 E. G. MAscARENHAs 2,865,404

coPLEss SHUTTLE LOOM T Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed June 30, 1954 bv ww.

INVENTOR Enecze. G. acar'enlacz ATTORNEYS Dec. 23, 1958 E. G. MAscARENHAs 2,865,404

COPLESS SHUTTLE LOOM Filed June 50. 1954 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 m INVENTR l'zeas heaenks N ATTORNEYS 4United States 'Patent O COPLESS SHUTTLE LOOM Eneas G. Mascarenlxas, Minas, Brazil Application .lune 30, 1954, Serial No. 440,470

4 Claims. (Cl. 139-126) This invention relates to looms such as are used in weaving cloth, fabrics and the like, and more particularly to looms of the type employing gripper shuttles which are thrown back and forth across the shed of the loom, and which are devoid of bobbins or cops. j

The invention constitutes an improvement in the Gripper Shuttle Loom disclosed and claimed in my Patent 2,648,354 dated August 11, 1953, and my British Patent 683,390 dated November 26, 1952.

In the loom of my patents above referred to a gripper shuttle, which is magnetically responsive, is thrown back and forth across the sheds by electromagnetic means such as solenoids. In conjunction with this magnetic shuttle there is provided, in the above patents, electromagnetically powered means for cutting the weft thread after it has been pulled across the shed.

In accordance with the present invention I'provide a novel and improved means for impelling the shuttle, operated by the medium of compressed air which is provided in response to the normal operation of the loom, preferably in response to the reciprocative movements of the slay. Also, by the present invention, I provide improved mechanical means actuated by the shuttle, for operating the scissors which cuts the weft thread, and for actuating forks adapted to maintain the weft thread taut. In conjunction with said forks, I provide automatic means for halting the loom if the weft thread is not properly picked up and positioned between the warp threads.

Accordingly an object of the invention is to provide an improved and highly ecient shuttle-propelling means receiving its power from the reciprocative movement of the slay.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved shuttle-propelling means as above set forth, which is actuated by compressed air provided from a compressor which is powered in response to the operating movements' of the loom, preferably in response to the reciprocative movements of the slay which beats up theweft threads.,

A further object of the invention is to provide a simple, reliable and effective scissors-actuating mechanism which is powered by the movements of the shuttle.

Still another object of the invention is to provide means cooperable with the weft thread, for maintaining the thread in tension before the beating up takes place, said means being operative to effect halting of the loom if for any reason the shuttle or other mechanism fails to properly place the weft thread between the Warp threads.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved shuttle-impelling mechanism in accordance with the above, by which the shuttle may be thrown alternately across the shed in reverse directions, thereby obviating the necessity for returning the shuttles to a starting point with a non-productive movement by conveyors or the like.

Still another object ofthe invention is to provide an improved-shuttle propelling means as above set forth, which is so controlled electrically as to be perfectly synchronized with the movements of the various components of the loom.

ICC

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved shuttle and picking-arm actuator therefor, wherein an accurate movement is imparted to the shuttle, and wherein a more reliable actuation of the shuttle is accomplished by virtue of longer contact between the shuttle and the picking arm.

A feature of the invention resides in the provision of an improved gripper shuttle, Scissors and weft-thread fork, and improved actuating means therefor, al1 of which are completely assembled to and carried by the slay, thereby to facilitate the adaptation of the said structures to any compatible type of loom.

Another feature of the invention resides in the provision of a mechanical force-transmitting mechanismA for operating a pair of weft-thread forks and scissors in response to movements of the shuttle, said mechanism being characterized by pivot arms mounted on the slay and being so arranged and organized as to not interfere` with the beating up of the weft threads by the slay.

Still another feature of the invention resides in the provision of mechanical actuating means for the scissors and weft forks, which requires relatively little force from the shuttle to operate the same.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved actuating mechanism for a shuttle, scissors and weft-fork as above set forth, which is simple and relatively inexpensive to construct, and is sturdy and reliable in its operation over an extended period of time.

Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a copless shuttle loom embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is a left-end elevation of the loom of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a View partly in vertical section and partly in elevation of an air compressing device actuated by the slay of the loom, said device being in discharged position.

Fig. 4 is a view of the air compressing device of Fig. 3, with the parts shown in charged position.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the slay of the loom, the shuttle being shown near the rightjend ofits path of travel. j

Fig. 6 is a top View of the slay shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the rear of the slay, in elevation, with the shuttle in the position shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a view like Fig. 7 but with the shuttle shown near the left end of its path of travel when viewed from the front. Y

Fig. 9 is a top view of the scissors and the weft thread feeder elements.

Fig. l0 is a side elevational view of the scissors and the actuating link therefor.

' Fig. 1l is a fragmentary plan view of the slay, showing one of the weft forks and the associated grid.

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic view showing a section of the slay adjacent the weft fork, togetherl with the grid and the weft fork, the latter being in its raised position.

Fig. 13 is a view like Fig. 12 but showing the weft fork sustained by a weft thread crossing the grid.

Fig. 14 is a view like Figs. 12 and 13, but showing the weft fork falling into the grid recess in the slay due to the absence of the weft thread, thereby closing an electric switch to halt the loom.

Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic view showing a section of the slay and showing the scissors in side elevation and in open position.

Fig. 16 is a view likeFig. 15, but showing the scissors closed.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on line 17--17 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 18 is a diagrammatic view enlarged of one set of pivot arms carried by the slay and made operative when 3 the shuttle is approaching the right-most end of its path of travel.

Fig. 19 is a diagrammatic View showing the warp threads spread apart and the slay in vertical section,` at the beginning of its beating-up stroke. t

Fig. 2i) is a view like Fig. 19 -but with'theslay half way through its beatingup stroke.

Fig. 21 is a view like Figs. 19 and 20 but withthe slay terminating its beating-up stroke.

Fig. 22 is a front elevational View of an abutment bar carried by the frameof the loom and cooperable with the air compressor devices carried by lthe slay.

Fig. 23 is a top or plan View of the copless grippertype shuttle of the invention.

Fig. 24"is a bottom view of the shuttle of Fig. 23.

Fig. 25 is a horizontal sectional view of the shuttle shown in. Figs. 23 and 24.

Fig. 26 is a vertical sectional view of one of the shuttle boxes.

Fig. 27 is a bottom View lof the shuttle box shown in Fig. 26.

Fig. 28 is a fragmentary view partly in section and partly in elevation, showing the shuttle being thrown from the shuttle box by the picking arm or lever.

Fig. 29 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit by which the movements of the shuttle, scissors, and weft forks are synchronized with the operating components of the loom.

Fig. 30 is a front elevational view of a loom embodying a modified form ofthe invention.

Fig. 31 is a left-end elevational view of the loom shown in Fig. 30, f.

Fig. 32 is a'idetail partly in section and partly in eleva- Ation showing an adjustable piston rod for the air compressor of the loom of Figs. 3 0 and 3l.

Fig. .3 3 is alfragmentary'sectional view taken online 33-33 ofFig. 3 0 f 3 4 is aview like Fig. 13 but showing a modified form of weft fork. j

Fig. 35 is a view'like Fig. 14, showing the modified weft fork of Fig. 34.

The improved copless vshuttle loom of the present n vention shown in Figs. 1 and 2 comprises a stationary frame 40 carrying a fabric take-off spool 41 and having a horizontally extending supporting bar 42 on which thread cones 43 are mounted. n Pivotally supported on the frame 40 is a slay generally designated by the numeral 44, said slaycomprising ahorizontal bar 4S carried on upright arms or swords 46, the latter being pivoted to the frame 40 whereby the ban 45 is 'capable `of having forward and backward r'eciprocative movement. The slay `has reeds R and is adapted tobeatvup theweft threads after the latter are placed in position between the warp threads, as is usual in loom construction.

In accordance with the presentinventi'on novel and improved means are provided, carrie'drvirtually wholly by the slay 44, for propelling agripperatype copless shuttle 47, Fig. 1, and for actuating scissors to cut the weft threads and'also forks to tension the weft threads and to automatically control halting of the loom in the absence of proper positioning of a weft thread.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated herein the. propelling of the shuttle 47 is eiected by means which includes compressed air motors, the vcompressed air being provided in response to the movement of the slay 44. Referring to Figs. 1-4 the slay 44 carries av pair of cylinders 48, preferably mounted under the bar 45 lof the slay to extend in a direction transversely'ofthebar.

The cylinders 48 have pistons 49 actuated by piston rods t), the latter passing through ends or capsl 5l of the cylinder. Within each cylinder 48 a helical compression spring 52 is provided, engageable with Vthe piston 49 and one end cap 51 of the cylinder, saidspringnormally holding the piston 49 in a left-most position as seen `in Fig. 3

and being adapted to quickly shift the piston to said posivtion from Ua right-most position shown in Fig. 4.

The right-most or foremost end of each piston rod 50 has a camming hook 53 engageable with a camming shoulder 54 mounted on an arm 55 pivotel at 56 to the adjacent end cap 51 of the cylinder 4S. Each arm 55 is adapted to be raised from the full line position shown in Fig. 3 to the dotted line position shown therein by a pair of solenoids 57 having plungers 53 connected to the arm 55 by links 59. Whenever a piston 49 is moved to the right from the position shown in Fig. 3 the spring 52 will be compressed and the hook 53 on the piston rod 50 will cam upward and thereafter interlockingly engage the camming shoulder 54 on the arm 55, all as shown in Fig. 4. The spring 52 will thus be maintained in a compressed state, and whenever the solenoids 57 are energized, the arm 55 will be raised, releasing the piston rod 50 and enabling the spring 48 to expand and quickly drive the piston 49 tothe left. This will compress the air in the'leftportion of the cylinder 4S, and such air will b e discharged through a pipe line 60 provided for the purpose. vThe compressor shownin Figs. 3 and 4 is actually a device for storing potential energy, since when itis charged, as shown in Fig. 4, it is capable of releasing said energy in the form of compressed air, upon energization of vthe solenoids 57. The solenoids 57 and arms 55 comprise a releasable means for controlling the compressors. Charging ofthe compressors shown in Figs. 3 and 4 is effected selectively by means of an abutment bar 61, Figs. l, 2 and 22, which is secured to the frame 40 of the lo'oni. Theabu'tm'ent bar 61 has openings or pockets 62- in 'its front face, positioned to receive the left-most extremities 'of the piston rods v5 0 as viewed in Figs. 3 and 4. Normally one or the other of the pockets 62 Vis covered, this beingeifeeted by a pair of plates 63 mounted on rods @4 `lVhichi.are"longitudinally slidable with respect to the b a 61` by'virtue4 of their being carried in bearing blocks GS 'secured to tliebar. The ends ofthe rods 64 are Vjoined together by connector portions 466, whereby the rods may be actuated to bring one or the other of the plates 63 over a pocket 62. A Referringto Figs. 2, 3 and 4, when the slay 44 advances to the left'tow'ard the abutment bar 61, one of the piston rods 50 may enter a pocket 62 whilst the other piston rod is halted by a Lplate 63. The halted piston rod, see Fig. 4, causesV the spring 52 to becompressed, and Vcauses the piston 49 to be locked by the locking arm l55.

The positions kof the plates 63 are controlled `by. picking arms or levers 67, Figs. 1,'2 and 22, said picking levers being pivotally mounted -at points 68 on the swords 46 of the vslay 44. The picking levers 67 are provided with lateral projections 69adapted to engage the connecting portions 66 of the rods 64.

Referring to Fig. 1,when the right hand picking lever 67 swings tothe left to ther dotted line position shown, it will shift thewrods 64 and theplates 63 to the left,v as shown in yFigQ-22, thereby exposing the right-most one of the pockets 62. As willnbe hereinafter explained,.such

swingingmovement of thepickingflever 67 will also throw tlies'hut'tle 47 from right to left. This movement of the rods 64 will'cause the leftmost pocket 62 to be covered by a plate 63, resulting in the left one of the air cornpressors, comprising the cylinder 48 and piston 49, to be charged. Such compressor may ythen be released and the released energy used tol return the shuttle, that is, throw it from left to right. This return is effected by the left one of the picking levers 67, in a manner shortly to be explained. It will be understood at this point that reverse'actuation of the rodsy 64 carrying the plates 63 may be effected in a manner similar to that already described, by means of the left one of the picking levers 67 engaging the left endj'connector 66 which joins the rod 64.

theipurpose of driving the picking levers 67 in response'to release of the energy of one or the other of the compressed airdevices Acomprising thecylnders 48 and pistons 49, I provide compressed air motors 70, Figs. 1 and 2, said motors being of the cylinder-and-piston construction and being carried by a horizontal girder 71 secured at its ends to the upright supports or sword 46 of the slay. The motors 70 are connected to the picking leversv 67 by articulated linkages 71, and areconnected with the air lines 60 leading from the compressor cylinders 48. Discharge lines 72 are connected with the lines 60 and terminate at relief valves 73 adapted to be opened by piston rods 74 of the motors 70 after the latter have actuated the picking levers 67 to drive the shuttle.

As shown in Fig. 1, theA left one of the motors 70 will swing the left picking lever 67 from the full line position shown to the dotted line position, and thereafter the piston rod 74 will actuate the relief valve 73, releasing the motor 70. The picking arm 67 will then be returned to its full line position by means of a spring 74 connected to the frame 48 and to a lateral projection 75 on the picking lever. A similar projection 75 and spring 74 are provided for the right one of the picking levers 67.

From the construction described above it will be under- A stood that reciprocative movements of the slay 44 will charge the compressors 48, 49, and that upon energization of the solenoids 57 either of the compressors may be activated to drive one or the other of the air motors 70 and its connected picking lever 67, thereby to propel the shuttle 47 either from right to left, or left to right. The movements of the picking lever 67, by shifting the rods 64 (Fig. 22) automatically cause alternate operation of the compressors, and thus an alternation of the picking levers may be effected in response to the reciprocation of the slay 44, depending upon a proper control of the energization of the solenoids 57. Such control is automatically effected by the shuttle 47 through the medium of electric switches 76, Figs. 1, 5, 6, 26 and 28,

mounted on shuttle boxes 77 carried by the slay bar 45.

Whenever the shuttle 47 is in one of the shuttle boxes 77` it will close the associated switch 76, and this will enable energization of the associated solenoid 57 to be effected, to release its compressor 48, 49 for driving (via the proper motor 70) the picking lever 67 associated with the shuttle box, to propel the shuttle therefrom.

Details of the structure by which a picking lever 67 propels the shuttle 47 are shown in Figs. 23 through 28. The shuttle 4'? shown in Figs. 23 through 25 comprises an elongate hollow tubular body 78 provided in its top wall with an elongate centrally located slot 79 and provided in its bottom wall with a pair of shorter slots 80. Within the body 78 of the shuttle a slide rod 81 is mounted, longitudinally slidable in transverse partitions 82 and having a bifurcated center portion 83. At the ends of the body 78 leaf spring grippers 84 are provided, cooperable with the slide rod 81 whereby the weft thread may be selectively gripped and released from one or the other of the gripper springs. Further details relating to the gripper action of the shuttle, and operation of the loom are given in my patents mentioned above.

ln Fig. 28 a picking lever 67 is shown with its upper extremity passing through the slots 79 and 80. The lever 67 in this figure is moving from right to left and is driving the shuttle 47 to the left, out of the shuttle box 77. It willbe observed that the slide rod S1, by virtue of the bifurcated portion 83 thereof. provides clearance for the upper extremity of the picking lever 67. Immediately upon the shuttle 47 leaving the picking lever 67 the latter, after actuation of the relief valve 73, is returned to its starting position by the spring 74, such starting position being shown by the broken lines in Fig. 28. When the shuttle 47 is returned to the shuttle box 77, as seen in Fig. 28, it will occupy a position shown by the broken lines therein, whereby the slots 80 and 79 are properly positioned to admit the picking lever 67 for driving engagement with the shuttle. As seen in Figs. 26 and 27, the shuttle box 77 has upper and lower slots 84 and 85 respectively to provide clearance for the picking arrn 67.

Integration of the reciprocating movements of the slay 44 and the movements of the picking lever 67 and shuttle 47 with other movable components of the loom is effected by a control means including an electric controlling switch now to be described. In conjunction with this, the circuit diagram of Fig. 20 is pertinent. In this gure a source of electrical energy such as a battery 86 is shown, connected by a wire 87 to the main on-oif switch 88 for the loom. From the switch 88 a wire 89 leads to the solenoids 57. These solenoids are in turn respectively connected with the limit switches 76 on the shuttle boxes 77, said switches being in turn connected by wires 90 and 91 with contacts 92.and 93 respectively of a rocking selector switch 94 having a contact arm 95 valternately engageable with the contacts 92 and 93. The switch arm 95 is connected by a wire 96 with the return terminal of the battery 86.

Referring to Fig. v1 the rocking switch 94 is mounted on the horizontal frame 42 of the loom and is actuated by a rocking shaft 97 carried in bearings 98. The shaft 97 rocks in conjunction with the movement of straps 99 passing over drums 100 on the shaft, said straps being connected with the vertically reciprocable heald frames 101 of the loom. The heald frames 101 are, by means o-f the well known mechanism of the loom, synchronized with the reciprocation of the slay 44, and accordingly an integration of the movements of the components of the loom with the driving or impelling of the shuttle 47 is effected.

Referring to Fig. 29, when the rocking switch 94 is in the position shown, corresponding to a position of the slay 44 wherein the shuttle is in the right one of the boxes 77, the right shuttle box switch 76 will be closed. A circuit will thus be established through `the right pair ofsolenoids 57, releasing the right one of the compressors 48, 49 and energizing `the right motor 70. Thus the right one of the picking levers 67 will be forcibly swung to the left, throwing the shuttle 47 from the shuttle box and across the shed (indicated S in Fig. l) into the left shuttle box. As the `slay 44 goes through its next reciprocation, the rocking switch 94 will be shifted to the left, and therefore the left picking lever will be actuated to drive the shuttle 47 from the left shuttle box 77 and across the shed from the left to the right. By this organization an automatic operation of the shuttle 47 is effected, such operation being perfectly synchronized with the reciprocation of the slay 44.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the shuttle 47 is adapted to pick up weft threads from the spools 43 in the wellknown manner as explained in my above referred to patents. Referring to Fig. l, weft threads 102 from the cones 43 pass between feeder elements 103 (see also Figs. 5, 6, 9, 15 and 16).

In accordance with the present invention, II further provide novel, simplified and effective means for actuating scissors to sever the weft threads, and for maintaining said threads under tension. In conjunction with this I also provide means for automatically stopping the loom whenever a weft thread is not being properly positioned between the warp threads.

Referring to Figs. l, 5, 17 and 19-21 the slay 44 is provided with a pair of depending pivots arms 104 carried on shafts 105 rotatable in bearings 106 mounted on a horizontal bar 107 which is secured to the swords 46 of the slay. The arms 104 extend downward into the path of travel of the shuttle 47 and are actuated thereby during its movement across the shed of the loom. As seen in Figs. 1 and 5, the shuttle 47 has shifted the right one of the levers 104 counterclockwise. This Vis also shown in Fig. 18 by the broken lines, the full line position of the lever being that which it normally occupies when not operated `by the shuttle.

Attached to the shafts 105 are upstanding arms 10S which are connected by links 109 with bell cranks `11,@`

and 111. Thebell cranks 110`and 111 arepivotally mounted--in-bearings` whichare also secured to the cross bar107. As clearlyshown in Figs.` 5, 7 and 8 the left one ofthe `upstanding arms1108lis connected with a link 109 which connects with the pair-of bell cranks 110 and 111 disposed closest the right end of the slay. The right one of the upstanding ams `108 connectsby means of its link'109-with the two Vbell cranks'110 and 111 which are closest `totthe left end of-lthe slay'44. The bell cranks 111 operate depending links 1.12 which are connected with scissors`f`113 mounted 'on ythe bar 45 of slay in vthe path of lthe weft' thread 102 as it passes across the shed.

As seen in Fig. y9 -a scissorsl113 is located closely adjacent weft thread feeding elements 103. Considering-iFig. 5, when the lever104-is shifted'counterclockwise by the shuttle r47 it'will cause counterclockwise rotation' of thefbe'll -crank/llljforcing downward the link- 112 and operating the' left `one of the scissors 113 to cut off the weft thread. The same operation is true for the left one of the levers 104, in operating the right one of the scissors 113.

From Figs. 5, 7, and 8 it will be observed that oneway driving connections, as effected by collars 114, are provided on the links 1129. Return of the levers 104 and 108V is effectedby springsv 115, and return of the bell cranks 110 and 111 to their normal positio-ns as shown in Fig. yl8'is effected by springs 116. By this organization the shuttle 47 may pass the levers 104 when travelling from the ends'. of the slay toward the center, without causingactuatio-n of the links 109 and bell cranks 110 and l111. Thus, periodically in synchronism with the reciprocation of the shuttle 47, the scissors 113 are actuated tosever the weft threads which are-put in place between the warp threads `by the shuttle.

lIn order to maintain the weft threadsundervtension I-pr'ovide, by this invention, a pair of sensing members comprising pivoted forks 117, Figs. 1l-l4,'mounted on the'slay 44 and adapted'to be received in recesses 118 (see Figs. 1 and 5 also) in the bar 45 of the slay. The recesses 115 :are provided with grids 119, and the parts are so positioned that the weft thread 1112, in being pulled across vthe shed by the shuttle 47 stretches across the grids 119 between the latter and the forks 117. The weft thread forks 117 are actuated by links 120 which are connected with the bell cranks 111D by means of unidirectional driving joints as formed by collars 121 on the links. When the levers 1114 are in their downwardly extending vertical positions, the forks 117 are in raised positions, as shown in Fig. 12. Whenever a lever 104 is actuated by the shuttle 47 it permits the associated weft thread fork 117 to drop on the .weft thread 102 which is passing across the grid 119, as shown in Fig. 13. This tends to maintain the tension of the weft thread, and this action is also utilized to control stoppage of the loom.

If, considering Fig. 13, no yweft thread is present on the grid 1'19 then the sensing member or fork 117 will drop 'into the recess 118 in the slay bar 45, as shown in Fig. 14. I utilize this to open the main o'n-off switch for the loom, in the following'manner: Referring to Figs. 13, 14 and 29 I provide limit switches 122 adapted to be closed by the forks 117 whenever the latter drop into the recesses 11S. The limit switches 122 are connected in parallel by wires 123 land 124, the wire 124 joining the wire 96 which goes to the battery do. The wire 17.3 connects with a solenoid 125 which is joined by a wire 126 with the wire 89. The solenoid 125 is adapted to actuate the starting leverl 127 of the loomwhich in turn, through alink 128, operates the on-off switch d8. Thus whenever any one of the switches 122 is closed it will energize the solenoid 125 to actuate the lever 127 and open the main switch 88, thereby stopping the loom.

An limportant feature ofthe invention resides in arranging fthe arms -104 so thatV they are .spaced "from the reeds R of the slay,.thereby`to reducev any strain which might7 be puton the warp threads. As shown in Figs. 19-21, vthe levers 104 have laterally offset end portions 1040i engageable bythe shuttle` 47, thereby enabling the levers 104 to be spaced forwardly of the reeds. In Fig. 21 the lever 104 is shown as it clears the fabric F in the loom. lny Fig. 19 the lever 104 is shown being actuated by the. shuttle 47,'and since the shaft 105 for the lever 104 is close to the upper warp thread W but slight strain and displacement of said thread is had vdue to the presence of the lever.

A modification of the invention is shown in Figs. 30, 3l and 32. 1n these figures, parts which are similar to those already described have been .given like characters. The essential difference between the loom shown in Figs. 3x2-32 and that already described resides in the provision of a single compressor 130 on the slay in conjunction with a compressedgair tank 131 and solenoid valves 132, as compared with the two spring-charged compres sors 48, 49 of Figs. l.-4. The single air compressor 130 shown in Figs. 30 and 3l is actuated continuously during I reciprocation of the slay 44a, land thus a supply of comi made according to 1a "modification of the invention.

pressed air is built up in the tank 131. This compressed air is availablevfor operation of the motors 70, being controlled by solenoid valves 132 having electrical coils 133. The solenoidivalve coils-133l can replace the solenoids 57 in the circuit of Fig. 29. 'Otherwise the circuit is unchanged and applicableto the loom of Figs. 30-32.

The amount of compressed air supplied to the tank 131 may be varied by adjustment of the compressor piston rod-134. As shown in Fig. 32, this piston rod carries a threaded sleeve 135 which may be locked in different axial positions by a nut 136. Thus the amount of protrusion of the -ro-d 134 may be varied,;to vary the pumping or compressor effect.

In Figs. 34 andf35 weft thread vforks 11711 are shown, The forks 117a have leaf spring parts 137 vengageable with adjusting screws 138 whereby a predetermined tension may be maintained on the weft threads 102. The leaf springs 137 provide for a more rapid action of the forks 117:1 whenever such action is permitted by the links 120 due -to actuation thereof as a consequence of the shuttle 47 actuating alever 104.

i' have found that but little force is required to actuate the scissors 113 and the weft thread fo-rks 117, and therefore such actuation may be readily accomplished by the shuttle 47 as it travels across the shed.

lt will be noted that virtually all of the shuttle, scissors and weft fork actuating mechanism is carried by the slay 44, and the slayV may be easily and inexpensively constructed and adapted to all compatible types of looms as a substitute for the conventional, complex and expensive slays and mechanisms now in use.

By the provision of the present slay, conventional components such as Wood shuttles, cops, pickers, picking sticks, leather bands, shuttle changers, etc., may be dispensed with. The propelling of the shuttle 47 will be reliably accomplished by thecompressor and compressed air motors as providedherein. "The movement of the shuttle 47 in turn will reliablyactuate the scissors and the weft forks, and a perfect synchronization of these components is had by the electrical control as seen in the circuit diagram of Fig. 29.

Variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the claims and portions of the improvements may be used without others.

I claim:

l. En a loom vhaving a shuttle which is impelled back and forth in a path of travel on a reciprocatively movable slay, said slay being adapted to beat up the weft threads, the improvement which comprises: a scissors carried by said slay for severing the weft threads; and solely me, chanical means actuated periodically bythe lshuttle during its reverse rvtravel :along-said path-for operating-.said

scissors to sever the weft threads which are consecutively placed by the shuttle between the warp threads, said means for operating the scissors including a pair of swingable arms pivoted on the slay and extending upward therefrom, including a linkage disposed above the shed and connecting the said arms, including motion-transmitting means between the scissors and one arm, and including a shuttle-engageable member connected with the other arm and disposed in the path of the shuttle.

2. In a loom having a shuttle which is impelled lback and forth in a path of travel on a reciprocatively movable slay, said slay being adapted to beat up the weft threads, the improvement which comprises: a thread-support means on the slay, disposed below the path travelled by the weft thread when the latter is being positioned by the shuttle between the warp threads, said means having7 a cut-back section providing a recess; means carried by the slay, for normally maintaining said weft thread under tension on the slay, including a thread-engageable sensing member movably mounted on the slay and disposed above said cut-back section, said member being urged against and supported by said weft thread passing over the threadsupport means and cut-back section thereof, and being extendable into said recess provided by a cut-back section in the absence of said thread; means operable by said member when it extends into said recess, for stopping the loom; releasable means normally holding said member out of said recess; and means controlled by the shuttle, for periodically actuating said releasable means to permit the sensing member to enter the recess if it is not prevented by said weft thread, thereby to effect a shut-down of the loom if the weft thread is not being properly positioned by the shuttle; a scissors carried by the slay for severing the weft threads while they are held under tension by said tensioning means; and means for operating said scissors, actuated by the shuttle-controlled means which actuates the said releasable means whereby weft threads consecutively placed by the shuttle between the warp threads and held under tension are periodically severed.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2, in which the releasable means, means controlled by the shuttle, and means for operating the scissors include three swingable arms pivoted on the slay and extending upward therefrom include a linkage disposed above the shed and connecting the said arm, include motion-transmitting means between the scissors and one arm, and motion-transmitting means between the sensing member and another arm,

i0 and include a shuttle-engageable member connected with the third arm and disposed in the path of the shuttle.

4. In a loom having a shuttle which is impelled back and forth in a path of travel on a reciproeatingly movable slay, said slay being adapted to beat up the weft threads, the improvement which comprises: La thread-support means on the slay, disposed below the path travelled by the weft thread when the latter is being positioned by the shuttle between the warp threads, said means having a cut-back section providing a recess; means carried by the slay, for normally maintaining said weft thread under tension on the slay, including a thread-engageable sensing member movably mounted on the slay and disposed above said cut-back section, said member being urged against and supported by said weft thread passing over the threadsupport means and cut-back section thereof, and being extendable into said recess provided by the cut-back section in the absence of said thread; means operable by said member when it extends into said recess, for stopping the loom; releasable means normally holding said member out of said recess; and means controlled by the shuttle, for periodically actuating said releasable means to permit the sensing member to enter the recess if it is not prevented by said weft thread, thereby to elect a shutdown of the loom if the weft thread is not being properly positioned by the shuttle, said sensing member having a forked end insertable in said recess; a grid disposed in said recess and adapted to accommodate said forked end, said grid and forked end when engaging a weft thread frictionally yieldingly holding the same and maintaining it under tension.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 586,233 Giroux lluly 13, 1897 1,832,567 MacArthur Nov. 17, 1931 1,868,716 Morrell July 26, 1932 2,168,420 Pedrazzo Aug. 8, 1939 2,488,192 Hindle Nov. 15, 1949 2,537,895 Hicks Jan. 9, 1951 2,553,351 Bellotti May 15, 1951 2,648,354 Mascarenhas Aug. 11, 1953 2,665,716 Budzyna Jan. 12, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 103,469 Germany June 22, 1899 254,771 Switzerland Ian. 3, 1949 

